Throughout history, the weather has been a popular topic in literature. From the Brontë sisters’ gothic novels to J.K. Rowling’s magical Harry Potter series, authors have used meteorology to add depth and symbolism to their stories. By exploring the use of weather in literature, we can gain a deeper understanding of the impact it has on characters and plot development.

In the works of the Brontë sisters – Charlotte, Emily, and Anne – the weather is often used to reflect the overall mood and atmosphere of the story. Emily’s most famous novel, “Wuthering Heights,” is set in the desolate moors of Yorkshire, and the wild and untamed landscapes are depicted through tumultuous weather conditions. The use of fog, snow, and fierce winds adds an air of danger and mystery to the story, mirroring the intense emotions of its characters.

Similarly, Charlotte Brontë’s “Jane Eyre” also employs weather to convey the emotions of its protagonist. As she wanders the moors in a state of emotional turmoil, the weather reflects her inner turmoil and foretells the stormy events yet to come. This technique is also used in Anne Brontë’s “The Tenant of Wildfell Hall,” where the bleak and stormy weather mirrors the dark themes of the novel, including alcoholism and domestic abuse.

However, it is not just gothic novels that use weather symbolism. In William Shakespeare’s “King Lear,” the raging storm on the heath represents the inner turmoil and madness of the king as his world falls apart. Similarly, in Ernest Hemingway’s “The Old Man and the Sea,” the relentless heat and violent storms symbolize the never-ending struggle between the old fisherman and the forces of nature.

In contemporary literature, J.K. Rowling’s “Harry Potter” series also makes significant use of weather symbolism. In the first book, “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone,” the Dementors – dark creatures who suck the joy and happiness out of their victims – are often accompanied by cold, foggy weather. This reflects their chilling and oppressive presence and adds to the sense of fear and danger in the story.

Weather can also serve as a metaphor for the emotional state of characters. In F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic novel, “The Great Gatsby,” the oppressive heat of a New York summer intensifies the drama and passion of the story. As the characters’ emotions rise and fall, so does the temperature, reaching a boiling point at the climax of the novel.

By examining the use of weather in literature, it becomes evident that it serves multiple purposes. It not only sets the scene and creates a vivid backdrop for the story, but it also adds depth and symbolism to the characters and their journeys. The weather becomes a character in itself, reflecting the emotions, mood, and events of the plot.

Moreover, the use of meteorology in literature is not limited to just the natural world. In Ray Bradbury’s “Fahrenheit 451,” the characters’ emotional states are reflected through the constant presence of television screens and the absence of rain. This idea is taken a step further in Margaret Atwood’s “The Handmaid’s Tale,” where the oppressive society the characters live in is mirrored through the stagnant, dry weather.

In conclusion, from the Brontë sisters to J.K. Rowling, the use of meteorology in literature is a powerful tool for writers to add meaning and complexity to their stories. Whether it is used to set the mood, reflect the characters’ emotions, or serve as a metaphor, weather adds an extra layer of depth to the literary world. And by examining the use of weather in literature, we can gain a deeper understanding of the impact it has on storytelling and the human experience.